Indonesian proverbs

A collection of proverbs and sayings in Indonesian.

Kuman di seberang lautan tampak, gajah di pelupuk mata tak tampak.The bacterium across the sea is seen, but the elephant on the eyelid is not seen.
Means: The faults of others are easier to see than our own faults.

Bagai pungguk merindukan bulan.Like an owl missing/pining for the moon
Means: To wish for something impossible.

Buruk muka cermin dibelah.An ugly face breaks the mirror.
Means: It is one person's fault but the others are involved.

Dimana bumi dipijak disana langit dijunjung.Where the land is stepped, there the sky is upheld.
Means: Every community has its own unique traditions that have to be followed by members of that community.

Habis manis sepah dibuang.When the sweetness is gone, the pulp is thrown out (refers to chewing of sugarcane).
Means: When something is no use anymore, it is disposed of.

Gajah mati meninggalkan gading, harimau mati meninggalkan belang, manusia mati meninggalkan nama.When an elephant dies it leaves its ivory, a tiger leaves its stripes and a man his name.
Means: The things you do in life are remembered after you're gone.

Guru kencing berdiri, murid kencing berlari.A teacher pees standing up, and pupils pee on the run.
Means: Every person, especially the parents and teachers, is the teacher of younger people. So if the teacher is bad, the youngsters are worse.

Kapal satu nahkoda dua.One ship with two captains.
Means: Two leaders are two too many - too many chiefs (and not enough Indians).

Lempar batu sembunyi tangan.The hand that throws the stone is hidden.
Means: Not taking responsiblity for one's own deeds.

Mulutmu harimaumu.Your mouth is your tiger.
Means: It is important to control every word we say, because words are reflection of ourselves.